Compact Weed Trimmer Mounted Line Spooling Device

ABSTRACT

In describing what is new art in reference to this invention we are claiming that this invention is different from prior art in the following ways. The device comprises a compact and lightweight design, uses level-winding technology and a self enclosed tensioner for uniform line re-spooling, the device is trimmer mounted for convenience and the device has storage capability of a spare reel for ease in usage. The purpose of this device is for line re-spooling of weed trimmer spools.

CROSS REFERENCE FOR RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of lawnmaintenance, and more particularly to a re-spooler device for weedtrimmer devices

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a compact trimmer mounted spooling laborsaving/reel device also known as the device which includes a means forspooling trimer line in an enclosed housing while simultaneously throughmeans of a level wind device and line tensioner provide an evendistribution of line onto a trimmer reel.

Re-spooling of weed trimming device lines is generally a time consumingand burdensome chore. Often the operator of a weed trimming device hasto stop for extended periods of time to spool trimmer reels by hand. Theresult of hand spooling is often time consuming and inefficient.Problems with hand-spooling include the following. Hand spooling cancause unevenly distributed line to be placed onto reels and may resultin line wastage and snags, snags occur during weed trimming when linethat has been unevenly distributed onto a spool fails to exude properlyfrom the spool. Problems with hand spooling also include a loss ofcontrol of spool line due to the elastic nature of the line. Often theoperator of a weed trimming device has to re-spool the device severaltimes due to the spring like nature of weed trimmer line and itsubsequently coming unwound.

The device aims to solve this problem through means of a level winddevice for uniform distribution of line and by means of the uniquegeometrical design of the housing, gear and lug system functioning tokeep tension and control of the elastic nature of the line.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,531,816 to Homoky discloses a spool rewinder for fishingreel devices using ratchet connections on the crank face to engage thespool to turn it but does not include a level wind for uniform linedelivery. U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,086 to Crow discloses a spool rewinder formonofilament lawn line trimmer devices however the shaft to the spool isnot a reel type trimmer mounted for ease of access and convenience.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,632 to Chilcoat discloses a spool rewinder formonofilament lawn line trimmer devices using threads to hold the spoolto the shaft but does not implement a spring loaded retractablemulti-fit lug spool device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,029 to Robertson et aldiscloses a spool rewinder for monofilament lawn line trimmer devicesusing lug keys to engage the lugs on two types of spools does notinclude a top loading trimmer mounted device U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,172 toKoehler et al discloses a spool winder for fishing line devices using apressure to hold the spool to the shaft this device does not implement aspring loaded multi-fit lug spool device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,839 toBurch discloses a spool rewinder for monofilament fishing line using butdoes not implement a level wind worm gear device for spooling lineuniformly.

None of these devices satisfy the needs described above or attain theobjects enumerated above Therefore the chief aim of this device is toprovide a means of re-spooling weed trimmer devices and by simplifyingthis task will enable a user to re-spool the reel without having to turnit in the hand, loose control of the line and be able to uniformlydistribute line onto spools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The compact trimmer mounted spooling/reel device includes a means forspooling trimer line in an enclosed housing while simultaneously throughmeans of a level wind apparatus provide an even distribution of lineonto a trimmer reel. The device uses a rotating handle or motor and gearsystem which simultaneously rotates the spool on a drive shaft anddrives a worm gear to function a level winding apparatus. Trimmer lineis fed through the eye of the level wind apparatus (a worm gear and wormdrive with a guide) and distributed on the spool evenly. The guideapparatus also comprises a system that constricts the line creatingtension from the guide apparatus to the spool being wound. The housingfunctions to enclose the spool in an enclosed system to help provide andmaintain control of the line as it is spooling and a ratchet systemprevents backlash. Spools are held in place by a rotating, retractablespring-loaded multi-fit and tapered lug apparatus. When spools areloaded and the device is engaged mechanically the entire devicefunctions to wind line onto weed trimmer line spools. The housing,housing cover and the handle are constructed from polymeric plastic,such a rigid polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ABS, or preferably anengineering plastic, The drive gears are nylon or plastic construction.The mounting system comprises an adjustable clamp which will be affixedto the weed trimmer shaft. These together with other objects andadvantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the detailsof construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described andclaimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a parthereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts through’

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention comprises an elongated cylindrically designed compactspooling/reel type device otherwise know as the device for the purposeof spooling weed trimmer line in an enclosed housing whilesimultaneously through means of a level wind apparatus provide an evendistribution of line onto a weed trimmer spool. The elongatedcylindrically shaped housing of the device functions to enclose thespool in an enclosed system to help provide and maintain control of theline as it is spooling and for storage of a spare spool. A replaceablespool supplied by the manufacturer is loaded through the top section ofthe device and held in place inside the device by laterally directedpressure exerted from a retractable spring loaded, rotating and taperedmulti-fit lug apparatus located on one side of the device. The taperedmulti fit lug apparatus is engaged by the mechanical action of pulling aknob located on one side of the device creating an opening between thetapered multi-fit drive shaft lug and the tapered multi-fit lugapparatus on which spools are set. The shape and design of the taperedlug apparatus function to accommodate different size spools on themarket today. When the handle apparatus is engaged mechanically thespool is rotated along the axis of the multi fit lugs and the multi-fitlugs rotate to accommodate the centrifugal motion of the device.

The device also comprises a handle crank or motor and gear system whichrotates the replaceable spool via a drive shaft which comprises an axilattached to a crank handle mounted thru the device on one end and atapered multi fit lug rigidly attached on the other on which the trimmerspool is set. The multi fit lug is tapered and constructed in such a wayas to accommodate different size spools which are on the market today.When mechanically engaged the device through means of a gear attached tothe drive shaft also engages a worm gear located on the front of thedevice which functions a level winding guide this system comprises afeature known as the level wind apparatus. Trimmer line is fed throughthe eye of the level wind apparatus and distributed onto a spool evenlyby the sliding and side to side action of the level wind apparatus. Thehousing cover and the handle are constructed from polymeric plastic,such a rigid polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ABS, or preferably anengineering plastic. The drive gears are nylon or plastic construction.The mounting system comprises an adjustable clamp which will allow thedevice to be affixed to the weed trimmer shaft.

The device is described and referenced hereinafter in FIGS. 1,2,3,4 asfollows: FIG. 1 shows a cylindrical elongated shaped housing (7) whichcan accommodate all types of commercial weed eater spools in the cavityof the device for the purpose of winding weed trimmer line. The housingcomprises lateral framing (12) which cross members are rigidly attachedat its ends between two disc shaped side members. Included in FIG. 1 isalso a (9) (level wind worm gear device), (13) Collapsable Handle and(14) multi-fit tapered lug in which spools are engaged and functioned torotate on an axis by hand cranking or motor drive. FIG. 1 illustrates arotating (10) retractable spring-loaded multi-fit lug device spoolholder and winding device shown engaged into a (11) replaceable spool.The combined actions of this device when engaged causes trimmer line tobe loaded uniformly onto the inserted (11) replaceable spool supplied bythe manufacturer.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation cutaway internal view of the device showingthe (7) cylindrical elongated housing, (10) retractable spring-loadedmulti-fit lug device, (11) replaceable spool, (9) (level wind worm geardevice) for even distribution of line on spools, (16) Shaft Clamp formounting the device to the weed trimmer shaft.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the apparatus showing a (13) CollapsableHandle and (14) tapered lug in which spools are engaged and functionedto rotate on an haft by hand cranking, (9) (level wind worm gear device)for even distribution of line onto spools, (11) replaceable spoolsupplied by manufacturer, (16) Shaft Clamp for mounting the device tothe weed trimmer shaft.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the apparatus showing the spring loaded handle,replaceable spool internal gear works, and multi-fit spring loaded lugfor engaging spools

U.S. Pat. No. 2,531,816 to Homoky discloses a spool rewinder for fishingreel devices using ratchet connections on the crank face to engage thespool to turn it but does not include a level wind for uniform linedelivery. U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,086 to Crow discloses a spool rewinder formonofilament lawn line trimmer devices however the shaft to the spool isnot a reel type trimmer mounted for ease of access and convenience. U.S.Pat. No. 5,163,632 to Chilcoat discloses a spool rewinder formonofilament lawn line trimmer devices using threads to hold the spoolto the shaft but does not implement a spring loaded retractablemulti-fit lug spool device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,029 to Robertson et aldiscloses a spool rewinder for monofilament lawn line trimmer devicesusing lug keys to engage the lugs on two types of spools does notinclude a top loading trimmer mounted device U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,172 toKoehler et al discloses a spool winder for fishing line devices using apressure to hold the spool to the shaft this device does not implement aspring loaded multi-fit lug spool device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,839 toBurch discloses a spool rewinder for monofilament fishing line using butdoes not implement a level wind worm gear device for spooling lineuniformly.

None of these devices satisfy the needs described above or attain theobjects enumerated above Therefore the chief aim of this device is toprovide a means of re-spooling weed trimmer devices and by simplifyingthis task will enable a user to re-spool the reel without having to turnit in the hand, loose control of the line and be able to uniformlydistribute line onto spools.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view perspective view of an apparatus of the presentinvention. This figure shows the front view of the device including thehandle mechanism, housing, open cavity for spool installation, levelwind, worm gear and a spring loaded multi-fit lug for engaging spools

FIG. 2 is a side elevation cutaway internal view of the device showingthe end cap, spring loaded multi-fit lug device and knob, spool.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the apparatus showing a handle and aninternal view of the internal gear works, level wind worm gear andspool.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the apparatus showing the spring loaded handle,replaceable spool internal gear works, and multi-fit spring loaded lugfor engaging spools

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in connection withthe accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure.It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/orshown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patentsand other publications identified in this specification are incorporatedby reference as though fully set forth herein.

Reel Type Spool Winder Apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 maybe constructed entirely of polymeric plastic, such as rigid polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, ABS, or preferably an engineering plastic, FIG. 1includes a cylindrical elongated housing (7) which can accommodate alltypes of commercial weed eater spools for the purpose of winding weedtrimmer line. The housing comprises lateral framing (12) which crossmembers are rigidly attached at its ends between two disc shaped sidemembers. Included in FIG. 1 is also a (9) (level wind worm gear device),(13) Collapsable Handle and (14) multi-fit tapered lug in which spoolsare engaged and functioned to rotate on an axis by hand cranking ormotor driven action. FIG. 1 illustrates a (10) retractable spring-loadedmulti-fit lug device spool holder and winding device shown engaged into(11) replaceable spool. The combined actions of this device when engagedcauses trimmer line to be loaded uniformly onto the inserted (11)replaceable spool supplied on the trimmer by the manufacturer, that isalso held in place by force from the (10) rotating retractablespring-loaded multi-fit lug device.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation cutaway internal view of the device showingthe (7) cylindrical elongated housing, (10) retractable spring-loadedmulti-fit lug device, (11) replaceable spool, (9) (level wind worm geardevice) for even distribution of line on spools, (16) Shaft Clamp formounting the device to the weed trimmer shaft.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the apparatus showing a (13) CollapsableHandle and (14) multi-fit lug in which spools are engaged and functionedto rotate on an axis by hand cranking, (9) (level wind worm gear device)for even distribution of line onto spools, (11) replaceable spoolsupplied by manufacturer, (16) Shaft Clamp for mounting the device tothe weed trimmer shaft.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the device (13) Collapsable Handle and (14)multi-fit lug in which spools are engaged and functioned to rotate on anaxis by hand cranking. (9) (level wind worm gear device) for evendistribution of line onto spools, (11) replaceable spool supplied bymanufacturer, (16) Shaft Clamp for mounting the device to the weedtrimmer shaft.

While this invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details setforth and the patent is intended to include modifications and changesthat may come within and extend from the following claims.

1. The invention of claim 1: The compact trimmer mounted spooling/reeltype device also known as the device includes a means for spoolingtrimmer line in an enclosed housing while simultaneously through meansof a level wind apparatus provide an even distribution of line onto aspool. The device uses a handle crank or motor and gear system whichsimultaneously rotates the spool on a drive shaft and drives a worm gearwhich functions the level winding apparatus. Trimmer line is fed throughthe eye of the level wind apparatus and distributed on the spool evenlyby the sliding action of a worm gear. The replaceable spool is loadedthrough the top of the device and held in place by pressure exerted froma retractable spring loaded rotating multi-fit lug apparatus. Thehousing functions to enclose the spool in an enclosed system to helpprovide and maintain control of the line as it is spooling. The housingcover and the handle are constructed from polymeric plastic, such arigid polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ABS, or preferably an engineeringplastic. The drive gears are nylon or plastic construction. The spool isheld in place by a retractable spring loaded system which causes thespool to be be affixed in place. The mounting system comprises anadjustable clamp which will allow the device to be affixed to the weedtrimmer shaft.
 2. The invention of claim 2 wherein the device is compactand comprises a level wind system containing a gear driven worm gearwith a guide to evenly distribute line as the device is functioned isnovelty for weed trimmer spoolers.
 3. The invention of claim 3 comprisesthe novelty of loading, functioning and securing of weed trimmer spools.Wherein the gear driven worm gear and the spool lug grip function tosimultaneously as the handle is turned and functioned operate thesystem. Wherein the spool is loaded through the topside of the deviceand held in place by pressure from a retractable spring loaded system.4. The invention of claim 4 wherein the device is compact and can bemounted to the outer housing shaft of a weed trimmer to provideconvenience of use and storage of a spare spool is novel.